BSU History

In 1919, Bemidji State Normal School began its first regular
school year with 38 students. The school was chartered by the
Minnesota State Legislature in response to a growing need for public
school teachers, and teacher training was its primary curriculum.
Then, in a pattern familiar to American higher education, in 1921
Bemidji Normal became Bemidji State Teachers College, offering a
four-year degree.

Reflecting ongoing changes
in the curriculum, the school was renamed Bemidji State College in 1957. In
1975, in recognition of its growing role as a multi-purpose educational institution,
it became Bemidji State University. Now BSU hosts nearly 5,000 undergraduate
and graduate students. It offers majors in more than sixty baccalaureate fields
of study as well as master of arts and master of science degrees. Some of its
degree programs and research activities are unique in the state.